Rannerdale Knotts, Whiteless Pike, Wandope & Grasmoor circular walk

Plenty of spaces at Lanthwaite Green Farm car park. That's Grasmoor behind my car - the last fell of todays walk.

Sumptuous views over Crummock Water as I head along the country lane in the direction of Buttermere.

Red Pike is the highest fell in the distance. That's usually the first fell for the High Stile Ridge walk, one I haven't done for a while, but I think it will get visited again before this year is out.

The sun just clearing the top of Rannerdale Knotts - I think it's going to be a lovely April day.

The stone path that leaves the road and time to start the days ascent.

The stone path is almost hidden amongst the gorse bushes as I make my way up the short but quite steep nose of Rannerdale Knotts.

A view over Crummock Water to Mellbreak - a favourite of mine.

Stunning views over to Grasmoor, a bit of Wandope and then Whiteless Pike on the right.

The summit of Rannerdale Knotts with more amazing views over Buttermere, Crummock Water and the High Stile fells.

Leaving the summit - I follow the grassy path down to the col at the head of the Rannerdale valley.

Then it's back on the ascent as I head up Whiteless Breast on my way to Whiteless Pike.

Rannerdale Knotts can be seen on my left.

Looking back towards Buttermere as I follow the thin path.

Time for a breather at the top of Whiteless Pike

The path ahead looks dramatic, but it's actually pretty straightforward and relatively easy.

Nearing the top you veer off to the right and head for the summit of Wandope.

In no time at all, I was at the summit of Wandope.

Crag Hill and then Sail a bit further along.

The flat basin between Wandope and my next fell - Grasmoor.

Twenty minutes later and I arrived at the summit of Grasmoor.

Looking over to Mellbreak again, this time from the top of Grasmoor.

I was undecided about my route back down to Lanthwaite Green - so I decided to mull it over whilst enjoying my coffee and light lunch.

This chap decided to join me and really enjoyed my offerings.

I decided to follow the path back down to lanthwaite Green alongside Liza Beck/Gasgate Gill from Coledale Hause rather than the high level option via Hopegill Head and Whiteside.

The main reason for this was that I had never taken this path before, as usually I've got my 'bagging' head on.

To be honest, I didn't think much of the route. The path is not in great condition and in some places has fallen away as it's on loose ground. Nothing too tricky, but a few traverses across thin paths at 45 degrees with the potential of a slip on the loose ground.

An aid is present in the form of a 'green arrow' on a rocky outcrop, which advises you to climb up and over the rocks rather than to head down to the beck. I followed the arrow and was soon on a slightly higher but substantial path.

However, I did see a couple, way ahead of me, having difficulty negotiating a downward climb and the lower level route. I guess that many have made this error in the past, necessitating the need for that green arrow.

Joining the Whiteside path as I near the end of todays walk.

Footbridge over Liza Beck.

One last look over the beck with Grasmoor on the right as I start to prepare for my journey home.